How to Prepare for Your First Tattoo Appointment

Preparing for your first tattoo appointment can feel nerve-wracking if you’ve never been tattooed. However, there’s no need to feel intimidated! Tattoos are a great way to express your individuality and carry a permanent piece of art with you forever. As a tattooer, Wesley Prettty has worked on countless clients. Including those who’ve never been tattooed and those who are covered head to toe. Next, I’ll give you some advice to prepare for your first tattoo appointment with me at Champion Tattoo. Continue reading to learn more!

If You Have a Tattoo Consultation

Depending on the design or placement of your tattoo, Wesley Pretty Tattoo may ask you to come into Champion Tattoo in Sherwood Park, Alberta, for a consultation. If a consultation is necessary during this time, I will likely take placement measurements for your tattoo and speak with you to determine what you are looking for out of your tattoo design. Since I will be taking note of your tattoo’s future placement, it’s essential to wear clothing that will not get in the way while I determine the size and location of your tattoo. Also, you should bring in any relevant reference images during your tattoo consultation and let Wesley Pretty Tattoo know about any skin conditions, like eczema, you may have that could interfere with your tattoo. During your tattoo consultation, feel free to ask questions regarding your tattoo and be prepared to answer several questions about your tattoo in return. If this is your first tattoo, don’t sweat it! Your first tattoo is nothing to be intimidated by, and I will do my best to ensure you have a great experience.

Days Before Your Tattoo Appointment

In the days leading up to your tattoo appointment with Wesley Pretty, there are a few things to keep in mind for the best possible experience and results. A week before your tattoo appointment, it’s important to regularly use a moisturizer on the area where you will be getting tattooed, and to be hydrated so drink plenty of water. This ensures your skin is well hydrated before your appointment, allows for a smoother healing process, and ensures your tattoo looks great after it has healed. In addition, you must avoid getting scratched or injured in the area where you will get tattooed. Otherwise, if your skin is damaged, we may not be able to tattoo your design as it could interfere with the tattoo or potentially be a site of infection. So do your best to avoid getting injured where your tattoo will be going.

Getting a good night’s sleep is essential the day before your tattoo appointment. There’s no denying that tattoos can be painful, so getting a good rest before your appointment ensures that you are prepped and ready to go on the day of. If you have other questions regarding getting tattooed by Wesley Pretty Tattoo, check out my FAQ page!

Hours Before Your Tattoo Appointment

In the hours before your tattoo appointment, you MUST be sober. I will NOT tattoo clients under the influence of drugs or alcohol, as it is a significant health and safety risk. A tattoo appointment is similar to a medical procedure and should be treated as such. So come into your tattoo appointment sober, hydrated, fed, and ready to go. Make sure you’re wearing appropriate clothing for where you will be getting tattooed. That way, I can work without obstruction, and you can feel comfortable during your tattoo appointment. It’s important to note that the Champion Tattoo is an open-concept tattoo shop, which means there are no private rooms. So if you’re getting tattooed in an intimate area, come prepared.

Finally, I encourage you to bring snacks and something to drink. Depending on your tattoo design, your tattoo appointment may take several hours, and it’s essential to keep hydrated and maintain your blood sugar levels. One of the most common reasons people faint when getting tattooed is that they do not eat or drink before their appointment. So for your health and to make your tattoo appointment smoother, follow my advice above.

When You Arrive

Prior to your appointment, you’ll be required to fill out some consent forms. So be sure to have your photo ID handy, and come at your scheduled time. That way, you give me enough time to prepare, clean up, and avoid overlap with other clients. If, for some reason, you cannot make your appointment on time or need to cancel, please reach out to me ASAP.

Once your forms are filled out, I will show you the completed design for your tattoo. If you have any adjustments, this is the time to bring them up. It’s important to note that your tattoo may require size adjustments, but if you have significant changes, we may have to reschedule your appointment. From there, I will place the stencil. Once you’re satisfied with the stencil placement, we will begin your tattoo!

Ready to Get a New Tattoo?

If you’re considering getting your first tattoo, I recommend you research your artists and find someone whose work and style you like. Please check out my illustrative and traditional flash designs for ready-made tattoo designs you can get tattooed in a flash. Check out my recent work portfolio if you’d like to see some of my recently completed tattoos. From there, you can better understand what my flash and finished tattoos look like.

Contact me today if you’re interested in booking a tattoo appointment with Wesley Pretty Tattoo!